Waterproofing methods 2017

TYPES OF WATERPROOFING METHODS IN

CONSTRUCTION

There are some common types of waterproofing methods used in construction industry.
Waterproofing in buildings / structures is generally required for:

o Basement of structure
o Walls
o Bathrooms and kitchen
o Balconies, decks
o Terrace or roofs
o Green roofs
o Water tanks
o Swimming pools

The following waterproofing methods are commonly used in construction:

1. Cementitious Waterproofing

2. Liquid Waterproofing Membrane

3. Bituminous Membrane

4. Bituminous Coating

5. Polyurethane Liquid Membrane

Cementitious Waterproofing Method:

Cementitious waterproofing is the easiest method of waterproofing in construction. The
materials for cementitious waterproofing are easily available from suppliers of masonry
products, and they’re easy to mix and apply.

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This method is often used in the internal wet areas such as toilets. This method is usually a rigid
or semi-flexible type waterproofing, but since it is used in internal areas such as toilets, it is not
exposed to sunlight and weathering. Thus cementitious waterproofing does not go through
contract and expansion process.

Applications of Cementitious Waterproofing:

Cementitious waterproofing is used in the following type of structures:

o Water Treatment Plants

o Sewage Treatment Plants
o Bridges
o Dams
o Railway & Subway Systems
o Marine Cargo Ports & Docks
o River Locks/Channels & Concrete Dykes

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o Parking Structures & Lots

o Tunnels

Liquid Waterproofing Membrane Method:

Liquid membrane is a thin coating which consists of usually a primer coat and two coats of top
coats which are applied by spray, roller, or trowel. It offers more flexibility than the
cementitious types of waterproofing. The liquid cures into a rubbery coating on the wall. The
elongation properties of the coating can reach as high as 280%. The durability of the
waterproofing coating depends on what type of polymer the manufacturer use for the making
of the liquid waterproofing.

Liquid waterproofing membrane can be of spray-applied liquid membrane composed of

polymer-modified asphalt. Polyurethane liquid membranes in separate grades for trowel, roller,
or spray are also available from various manufacturers.

Bituminous Coating Waterproofing Method:

Bituminous coating is a type of coating used for waterproofing and flexible protective coat in
accordance with its formulation and polymerization grade. Its flexibility and protection against
water can be influenced by the polymer grade as well as reinforcement of fiber.

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Bituminous coating is also called as asphalt coating. The most common applications of
bituminous coatings include areas that are beneath screed wet. It is an excellent protective
coating and waterproofing agent, especially on surfaces such as concrete foundations.
Bituminous coating is made of bitumen based materials and it is not suitable for expose to
sunlight. It becomes very brittle and fragile when long exposure to the sunlight unless it is
modified with more flexible material such as polyurethane or acrylic based polymers. The
flexibility of the finished products always depends on the solid content of the polymer added to
the bitumen.

Bituminous Membrane Waterproofing Method:

Bituminous membrane waterproofing is a popular method used for low-sloped roofs due to
their proven performance. Bituminous waterproofing membrane have torch on membrane and
self-adhesive membrane.

Self-adhesive compounds comprise asphalt, polymers and filler; additionally, certain resins and
oils may be added to improve adhesion characteristics. The self-adhesive type has low shelf life
as bonding properties of the membrane reduces with time.

Torch on membrane have exposed and covered types. Exposed membrane often has mineral
granular aggregate to withstand the wear and tear of the weathering and the other types of
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membrane, contractor need to apply one protective screed to prevent the puncture of the
membrane.

Polyurethane Liquid Membrane Waterproofing Method:

Polyurethane liquid membrane method of waterproofing is used for the flat roof area and
exposed to weathering. This waterproofing method is expensive.

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Polyurethane Liquid Membrane can offer higher flexibility. Polyurethane is very sensitive to
moisture content present, therefore before application, one has to be very careful evaluating
the moisture content of the concrete slab, otherwise peeling or de-bonding of membranes may
happen after some time.

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WATERPROOFING OF FLOOR SLABS IN TOILET

Cement Based Waterproofing for Floor Slabs in Toilet

Cement based waterproofing for floor slabs in toilet is provided to stop ingress of flushing
water / floor wash. Following are the steps of waterproofing of floor slabs:

1. Clean the surface of the slab by removing all loose materials, dust, etc. and wash with clean
water.

2. Provide and lay a screed of C.M. (1:3) over the clean and damp surface including
waterproofing agent mixed with C.M. Total average thickness shall be 20 mm. Lay an average
thickness of 115 mm consisting of brick bat layer laid in random pattern to avoid continuity of
joints and 10 mm thick., bedding, 10 mm thick, jointing with water proof cement mortar of
(1:3). This layer shall be laid to appropriate slopes towards floor drain. This layer shall be cured
for minimum 3 days before taking up the next layer. The surface which is not taken up for next
layer shall be continued to be cured for minimum 10 days.

3. Final Layer Provide and lay minimum 40 mm thick IPS layer in cement concrete (1:2:4) with
maximum size of aggregate 3 mm to 6 mm, simultaneously with polishing trowel, using C.M.
(1:2) above which floor tiles shall be laid.

4. Curing – This layer shall be cured for 21 days by flooding the water to 25 mm depth in panel
of 1M x 1M formed by weak cement mortar bonding.
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Note – Waterproofing additives of polymer base or other water-repellent types shall be added
to cement. These additives shall be either in powder or liquid form. Proportionate quantity of
additives as per manufacturer’s specifications shall be mixed thoroughly with cement and used
in the job in the form of cement mortar.
5. Testing of waterproofing:
Waterproofing of slabs shall be tested by ponding the surface with water to a depth of 25 mm
for 24 hours or longer. The waterproofing shall be considered satisfactory, if no leaks or damp
patches show on the soffit.

IS: 2645: 2003: Specification for Integral Waterproofing Compounds for cement mortar and
concrete provides specifications for this waterproofing.

Waterproofing of Toilets – Methods, Materials

and Procedure

Waterproofing of toilets is required to prevent seepage of water from floor slab and walls as
toilet involves use of water and has plumbing works.

Casting of Slab and Plumbing Works in Toilets

Casting of Slab and Plumbing Works in toilets are done in following ways:

1. Either the toilet slab is casted a foot below the outside slab, then plumbing pipes are laid as
designed, then cover the pipes with filler materials, followed by tiling on top

2. Toilet slab is casted the same level of outer slab, then holes made in slab and piping is laid at
bottom of slab visible from lower floor which is later covered by false ceiling. Benefit of this
type is ease for the maintenance, anytime false ceiling can be opened in case of leakage and
plumbing can be repaired

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Method of Waterproofing of Toilets

The old method of waterproofing was make a layer cement plaster added with chemical.
Modern methods employ waterproofing membranes in this area too.

Generally there are two types of waterproofing membranes:

o Sheet membrane
o Liquid membrane

Here we are discussing method which involves application of liquid membrane along with
sealant application to joints.

Required tools and materials for Waterproofing of Toilets

Brush, scrapper, paint brush, roller tray, caulking gun
Primer, tape & silicon, waterproofing membrane
Surface preparation
Surface to be free of all dust, loose particles, no contaminants, should be scrapped to make it
smooth, walls should be brushed to remove the undulations.

Priming of Toilet Surfaces

Primer is applied with help of roller brush up to required height of the wall and then on the
floor.

Bond Breakers
When the primer goes dry we will use combination of silicon and tape. Tape to be applied on
four walls at required height. This is to ensure that waterproofing is done up to this height only.

Sometimes waterproofing is required to complete height of the toilet walls or sometimes may
be 1-foot height only as per the requirement. Silicon is then put in all the corners vertically and
horizontally very carefully to ensure no gap is left.

First Coat of Waterproofing for Toilets

Start applying the membrane with a paint brush starting from the corners where silicon is
applied makes sure we pay extra attention to make 100 % coverage as this is the most critical
area.
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Similarly, where other places joints are coming at shower fixture, any taps or other sanitary
items or sinks in the floor (lay the coat 4 inch inside the holes) make a good coverage. So all
critical areas are finished.

Then take a roller brush and simply apply the waterproofing on all the walls and floor. When
applying roller make sure we are rolling it at 90-degree angle.

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Second Coat of Toilet Waterproofing

After the first coat dries, put the second coat similar as above, carefully brush on the corners
and joints and roller on the walls and floor, we can use a different color to make sure no area is
left of waterproof coat.

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Some cases along with the liquid membrane, sheets of membrane are also fixed at all the joints,
walls & floors. Sheets can be laid along with first coat of liquid WPM. Finally remove the
masking tape from the walls.

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Using Liquid Waterproofing Membrane For

Waterproofing Concrete Structures

Liquid waterproofing membrane is available in the form of liquid and is sprayed or applied by
brush or roller to the concrete surface which forms a thick joint free membrane in contact with
air.

Benefits of Liquid Waterproofing Membrane over other conventional methods

The benefits of this process lies in its simplicity to apply. The joint free process is the most
important benefit as there is significantly no chances of seepage of water unlike in roll sheet
WPM and other water proofing methods. The contractor can cover larger area in a day and if
applied next day can start overlapping the layer finished last day with spray liquid
waterproofing membrane.

Precautions:
The membrane thus formed should be proper thickness as thinner membrane can break down,
care has to be taken by installer and engineer in charge.

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Features of Liquid Applied Waterproofing Membrane

These liquid applied systems feature coatings have elongation properties, durability, flexibility,
abrasion, chemical resistance providing successful installation. The liquid waterproofing
membrane provides optimized performance and also most importantly longevity.

Thus this method of waterproofing is time saving process and also no need to shut down the
other works as if applied in morning gets dry and strong till afternoon. It saves a lot of labor
cost, and gives maximum quality results.

While sheets and other membranes degrade over time, liquid applied waterproofing provides a
long lasting effects. When applied over concrete surface it fills the cracks of the concrete
creating a protective vapor barrier system, penetrates in concrete up to a depth of 20 mm and
maintains a water tight seal, thus increasing the strength of concrete.

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Applications of Liquid Waterproofing Membrane

In many countries such as US, UK, this waterproofing membrane is applied on exterior walls
also. It is available in different colors so that it matches the color of wall. Approx. 5 gallons of
waterproofing membrane can be used for 325 sq. meter of concrete surface. You need to put 1
coat, let it dry and then put the second coat.

It can also be applied on concrete bridges (It can have an application rate of 800 sq.meter per
hour). Concrete expands and shrinks causing cracks under high or low temperature causing
water seepage, the liquid waterproofing membrane has UV absorption properties and thus it
saves damage to concrete in such conditions.

The liquid waterproofing membrane can also be applied on metal deck steel bridges which have
space age joint system. It prevents the seepage from the joints. It increases the longevity of the
bridge and this comes into picture when the bridge is rebuilt after 10-15 years.

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The liquid waterproofing membrane not only prevents the cracks but also prevents the
corrosion of inner materials, the steel bars, and the joints. It seals the cracks up to 1.3 mm
width and can withstand expansion up to 0.4 mm and what more the bridge is ready to use for
traffic in less than 6 hours.

Surface preparation for Applying Liquid Waterproofing Membrane

The surface to be waterproofed should be clear from dirt, dry and clean. There should not be
any loose patches on the surface so the contractor needs to ensure proper surface preparation
prior to application.

Curing of Liquid Waterproofing Membrane

It is critical that the applied membrane should be watered soon after the membrane is touch
dry. As per standard specs it has to be cured by water following couple of days.

Low Maintenance
It gives a low maintenance service long life. It’s a lifetime smart alternative then other
conventional methods. If the bridge last for 200 years so as the waterproofing work too.

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It also saves the cost of filler and sealers and other materials which will be used in future to
repair cracks and still remains a temporary solution only.

WATERPROOFING OF CONCRETE STRUCTURES

Waterproofing of concrete structures is done by either suitable extraneous treatments like

applying paints, fixing bitumen felts etc. or internally by suitable design of the concrete mix,
addition of suitable admixtures in the concrete or mortar at the time of mixing and/or installing
water bars at the joints.

The design, material and workmanship should conform to the relevant standard codes where
applicable.

Concrete Waterproofing Admixtures

a) In concrete: The method of application of admixture and other details is based on the
manufacturer’s specification.
b) Plaster: The concrete surface, to be plastered, is cleaned thoroughly and kept wetted for 24
hrs. The plaster in cement sand mortar mixed in proportion varying from 1:1 to 1:4 by volume
along with the waterproofing admixture and laid in appropriate thickness and in layers not
exceeding 15 mm layer or as per manufacturer’s specification. The additive. On completion, the
plastered surface shall be cured continuously for a minimum period of 14 days like concrete.
Waterproofing of Concrete by Bituminous or Tar Coating
The surface is first sand papered, cleaned and completely coated with hot coal tar pitch of
quality as per IS:216 (not heated above 375 Deg.F) using not less than 1.5 kg. per Sq.M. When
the first coat has completely dried up, the second coat is applied in the same manner using not
less than 1.25 kg/m2 , in case of coal tar and 1 kg/m2 in case of asphalt.
Immediately after application of the second coat and before it is dried up, sand is spread on the
surface to cover it completely. Sufficient time is allowed after spreading of sand before
backfilling is done in order to allow the final coat to dry up completely.

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Bitumen Felt: Application for Tanking

Bituminous felt is used for laying the waterproof course on the outside and inside of the walls
and bases of structures. The material of this method should conform to IS:1322, and the
workmanship to IS:1609.

The bitumen felt should be hessian base and/or fibre base as specified in Drawing/Schedule of
items. This type of waterproofing is generally done by specialized firms.

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